After a lot of prayer and hard work, Sarah McMahan is relieved to see a two-year grant secured for a local nonprofit that provides transportation and more to those in need.
Some months ago, …
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After a lot of prayer and hard work, Sarah McMahan is relieved to see a two-year grant secured for a local nonprofit that provides transportation and more to those in need.
Some months ago, Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization (ECHHO) was in what its recently named executive director described as a “pretty difficult situation.”
Due to a state office’s administrative snafu, ECHHO executive director McMahan said, the nonprofit had missed its annual deadline to apply for a regular special-needs grant from the state Department of Transportation (DOT).
Now, thanks to McMahan's efforts, along with “tremendous support” from Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, ECHHO is being awarded a grant in the transportation budget.
“It was kind of a miracle,” said McMahan.
McMahan received advice from DOT employees on how to approach senators, representatives and other government officials about getting funds.
“I ended up sending eight emails and letters, and called every one of their offices,” she said.
In the end, Van De Wege responded.
“He was absolutely amazing,” McMahan said, commending both Van De Wege and his staff. “He made it happen.”
“This is money well spent on neighbors who would otherwise struggle to meet everyday needs many of us take for granted,” Van De Wege said in a statement.
The funds are to cover the next two years, starting at the end of June. Most of that money is to cover driver reimbursements, McMahan said.
“That's a big, big, big expense for us.”
In addition to the government funding, ECHHO's income comes from community members – 30 percent of its income – and community organizations such as United Good Neighbors, Jefferson Healthcare and the Olympic Area Agency on Aging. And it sometimes comes from surprising places: One man whom they had helped left $5,000 in his will.
ECHHO provides transportation to and from medical appointments, home and domestic assistance, social support and medical equipment services to persons who are elderly, disabled or of limited means so that they may continue to live independently.
“There's always things we need,” McMahan said.
Those interested in volunteering or donating items can go online to echhojc.org.
